Every year the earth crosses the orbital path of Halley’s
Comet. As our planet passes thru the
debris left behind by the comet some of the detritus burns-up as it reenters
the earth's atmosphere with a resulting meteor shower. Shooting stars!
Most of the activity should peak in the hours before
dawn on May 5 thru May 6. Nevertheless,
there will be viewing opportunities beginning in the predawn hours starting May
1, 2 and 3.
Get yourself comfortable in a lawn chair and allow your
eyes 30 minutes to adjust to the dark.
Look to the southeast and the constellation Aquarius – although a
shooting star can occur just about anywhere.
In our mid-northern latitudes you can expect to see ten
or more meteors per hour. The late
evening hours are the best time to observe earthgrazers – more meteors that
make the long streaks across night sky.
Fingers-crossed for dark skies and clear viewing conditions.
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